Trayvon Martin's (TM) mother and George Zimmerman's (GZ) mother both testified on Friday, Day 9.   Trayvon Martin's mother appeared as the prosecution's last witness and George Zimmerman's mother was the first witness for the defense.  Don't forget,  this is the first the jury has seen of GZ's family.  They and his friends were excluded from the on-going trial because they are on the witness lists.  After they testified, they were excused subject to recall so they were again excluded.  TM's family is in the courtroom because, as a matter of law, family of the victim cannot be excluded.

DEFENSE BEGINS  Friday, July 5, 2013

GLADYS ZIMMERMAN:  George Zimmerman's mother.   Sweet lady, straight-forward.   Lives in Central Fla. -  six years.  Has three other children.   She is played and listens to the 911 call.  She becomes emotional when she hears the voice but maintains herself.   Q: Is it George Zimmerman's voice?   A:  "I'm sure because he's my son."    

Cross Examination: I've heard my son in all voices but I never heard him scream for his life before.  No  question it's him because he's my son.   Done.

GORGE MEZA:  upright, duty-bound man of pride.    Army 26 years, rose to  Commanding  Sgt.  Major.  Now a dep. sheriff, assigned to courthouse duty, bailiff.  Has seen more trials than anybody. " I am here as GZ's uncle not as a sheriff, "  Known George all his life, since first day.  Gladys Zimmerman is his sister.  Q:  Ever hear 911 call with screams?  A:  Yes, first time in 2012.  He was on his computer at home and all of a sudden from TV behind him he heard scream. "I felt it too."   "My nephew was screaming for his life.  It was George.  I asked my wife, what are you watching?"   She said News.  I said, "That's George."   "That voice hit me.  I felt it in my heart.  That's George.  I know his voice because all his life he played with my kids.  I heard them laugh and cry, scream and shout and this, this was G screaming for help."     

Cross Examination:  Q: You're only here as uncle?  A:  I am here as a witness as to what I heard.   Q: You knew George was involved in shooting ?  A:  I am a sworn law enforcement officer so I kept clear.    RE-

Direct:   Asked essentially  if he would lie for GZ ?  A:  " I took my oath to the law, I have my ethics for 26 years as a soldier and as a sheriff.   I would not compromise myself, a commanding Sgt. Major, for anyone."  He knew he was going to be a witness so he "wanted to be able the look the jury in the eye and tell the truth."  

Re-Cross Examination:   He says he stayed disconnected from the case.